At Tuesday, 1/28/25's Board Meeting, IL Task Force 1 Member Battalion Chief John Purtill presented Lieutenant Daniel Ritchie with the MABAS Humanitarian Service Medal for his work as a Member of the Swiftwater Rescue Team when he was deployed to North Carolina in response to Hurricane Helene in September/October 2024. Lieutenant Ritchie spoke of the harrowing experience the crews faced and the reality of what these extreme acts of nature can do to a community.

Next, he presented Fire Chief Schofield with the MABAS Humanitarian Award for Orland Fire Protection District supporting the MABAS Swiftwater Rescue Team’s deployment to North Carolina in response to Hurricane Helene.

Chief Schofield spoke to the bravery and that the best of the best are chosen for these teams and commended Lieutenant Ritchie for his willingness to help and his bravery during this difficult experience.